Use whatever terminology floats your boat. The bottom line is that the point here based on the discussion of the president’s action is that he has the legal right under US law to order the FBI to open or close investigations. And even to order US Attorneys to prosecute or not prosecute.

Interestingly, “high crimes and misdemeanors” is a lower standard than that required for criminal prosecution. It’s basically whatever Congress decides it is. The HC&M that Andrew Johnson and William Jefferson Clinton were impeached for were less heinous than some acts committed by other presidents. I wonder how many CR participants can even state what Johnson was impeached for without looking it up.

“High crimes and misdemeanors” has no standard altogether or legal definition. It only has a political definition. It is whatever the sitting members of Congress decide or want or vote it to be. Or not to be.

First of all, the House Intelligence committee is run by Repugs.
Second of all, there are new bombshells coming weekly.
And third of all, if they didn’t interview 100+ witnesses that they were supposed to, how can you say it’s a fair investigation?!

I’m going to break with the minhag on this thread by not replying to anyone in particular with indignation, scorn or other negative emotions. So here goes:

1) I really miss Eisenhower and the old Republican party. I’m surprised he doesn’t come back and haunt the schlemiels who call themselves Republicans today.

2. Trump is doing some things which are drastically unpopular with his own party, like threatening a trade war. The Republican party has always been the party of business, and businesses hate to lose money. Industry groups are already pleading with him to hold off tariffs. If he does start a trade war it won’t just be that the political knives will come out – it will be more like kalashnikovs and grenade launchers.

3. Midterms are coming up, and the tweetstorms and odd pronouncements are making Republican candidates fearful of losing their seats. Politicians like to stay in office.

4. His foreign policy changes from day to day. It may not matter that this bothers the leaders of other nations, but it does bother the people in Congress who are trying to conduct foreign policy on a day-to-day basis.

At this point it doesn’t really matter what the Democrats think of Trump – his own party is becoming extremely unhappy with him. I would guess that if he springs any more surprises – like firing Mueller – they really will vote to impeach him, and given the balance in the Senate, he could very well be convicted.

I’m not happy with the prospect of Trump being impeached. It’s messy and internationally embarrassing. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to learn from experience. And given his age, weight and lack of exercise, and that he’s on statins, I wonder if there aren’t also medical issues. Those are risk factors for strokes, which can impair impulse control and judgment. I would have been happier if his medical exam had included some brain imaging.

We’ve got trouble, as the old song goes, right here in Washington, and whatever the outcome is, we’re going to suffer for it in international credibility. (And also in our ability to defend Israel against its political enemies.)

I agree with Midwest2. Had I been living in the 1950s, I would probably be mixed between the two parties.

As Eisenhower once said, “Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment, insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Their number is negligible, and they are stupid.”

Seeing what’s going on in Washington these days, it seems his prediction is coming true.

Every morning I arise & chant praises to the Almighty who in His Infinite Kindness & Wisdom, spared us from the calamity of having this heinous Hillary in the Oval Office. I continue to Admire President Trump, and shall once again vote for him both at the Primaries & election 2020, as I am so glad I did during 2016.

In the same light, I strongly believe that the Israeli police should back off, and leave PM Netanyohu alone, so he can continue his wonderful work as Prime Minister.

147 -“heinous Hillary in the Oval Office. I continue to Admire President Trump, and shall once again vote for him both at the Primaries & election 2020, as I am so glad I did”

The democrats are so obssesed that Trump won – that they will try anything to get him impeached!
When the last administration told Comey to back down against Hillary, no one said Boo. Now they are going to use Comey to get or try to get Trump impeached.

Midwest2: If there’s a serious prospect of impeachment and conviction, the President will suddenly drop bombs and initiate war against North Korea. Congress will then have to decide whether to remove the Commander in Chief in middle of America’s deadliest war since World War II.

One thing that a lot of people are overlooking: the next-in-line for President is Pence. Pence is a perfectly normal, sane competent-type politician. I don’t agree with most of his politics, but I couldn’t make a case that he’s incompetent or irresponsible. In fact, I think that’s why he was chosen as vice-president. For conservatives he makes an excellent alternative to the current lack of focus, and I think that if Trump were to do anything really bizarre, he would be removed from office whatever the circumstances and Pence would take over.

Keep an eye on the midterms. If it really looks like it’s going to be a disaster for the Republicans, something might happen to push Trump out – openly or quietly. Politicians like to remain in office (and continue getting donations from lobbyists) so if it looks like Trump is seriously endangering the status quo he could be in trouble. All those Republican career politicians he despises have plenty more practice at playing the game than he does.

Can someone list what Trump has done that is eligible to get him impeached?
At the federal level, Article Two of the United States Constitution states in Section 4 that “The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors.